Photographer Spends 2 Years Photographing Animals That May Soon Be Extinct, And It Breaks Our Hearts
For most of us, endangered animals are a far-away mystery. British photographer Tim Flach, however, has spent the last two years braving their habitats and documenting the rare animals' fragile existences. The resulting body of work, Endangered, provides us with an intimate and rare view into the beautiful lives of Earth's most threatened species and reminds us of everything we should be afraid to lose.
From species we're all familiar with (polar bear, snow leopard, cheetah) to exotic wild animals we'd only imagine in fantasy films (saiga, Philippine eagle, olm salamander), Flach presents a wide spectrum of biodiversity of endangered species, and sheds light on the unique challenges each animal faces in order to survive. Some have had their numbers cut down by habitat destruction. Others endure more gruesome ordeals, such as hunting, poaching, and being sold into the black market.
Flach has often stated that he aims to reveal in his animal pictures the relationships that connect humans to our wilder counterparts. Staring into the eyes of the animals featured in Endangered, it's heartbreaking to imagine that any one of them would ever be considered less worthy of life than one of us. Scroll down to see the most stunning pictures of animals from the series, and vote for the ones that took your breath away.
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Saiga
Thats because that is what it eats...human souls. That is why its going extinct, so many people are soulless these days, they are starving.
Load More Replies...What the... This looks like something out of the Cantina scene in Star Wars...
They live in the cold high steppes, the long nose warms the air before is reaches their lungs
One of my favourite animals <3 I so want to pet that long snoot and little teddy ears.
They look like they are out of a science fiction movie. Beautiful in such a strange way.
Polar Bear
Thinking as a young girl that Polar Bears were such a wondrous giant... Now knowing they may be only a photographed memory. Sickening how WE all rape & steal from nature
Philippine Eagle
Carcara is their name in Brazil. they are the kings of the forest. "Carcara pega mata e come Carcara mata ate o homem" - translation : Carcara will catch, kill and eat. Carcara will even eat a man.
People hunt birds to make profit and that’s awful. They don’t have the right to kill them. They are cruel
doyou know its bigger than american it can kill swordfish too they say
Load More Replies...The American Bald Eagle is a girl scout compared to a Philippine Eagle.
Hyacinth Macaw
Most species of macaws are listed as endangered, thanks to the pet trade and the poachers. At least 8 have already become extinct.
My mother in-law hand raised a hyacinth a few years ago. Treated it and all of her exotic birds like accessories really. This thing followed her around the the house and thought she was it's mother. Like all accessories she got bored and sold all her birds. I can only imagine the pure loss and pain that hyacinth felt having it's mother basically throw it away.
Load More Replies...Now nothing more needs to be said about this bird. So much beauty and so much sadness if gone forever.
I think that last one passed away, and officially this breed has already extinct 😥
African Elephant
I would be heartbroken to lose elephants. :( Every creature on this list deserves to live, but I have a special place in my heart for elephants.
"For comparison's sake, while there are warnings and alarm bells ringing about the imminent extinction of the African elephant as a result of the poaching crisis—a situation not in any way to be minimized—there are an estimated 450,000 African elephants compared to 80,000 giraffe," says Kathleen Garrigan, senior African Wildlife Foundation
and they've done nothing to stop it. When they're all gone, the poachers will move on to something else to kill. it's so sad to know that every year there are more people and less animals. I don't want to live in that world. Humans are the worst.
Load More Replies...No matter how beautiful ivory is, they die from detusking. Even if they let them live tuskless, it's still cruel and immoral.
To look into an elephant's eye is to see their soul looking back at you.
Iberian Lynx
Iberian Lynx is no longer endangered but still at risk. This year alone, in my country, 34 died. Only yesterday a new lynx was found dead by furtive hunters… Without harsher punishment for these kind of cowardly acts, the effort of the conservationists is in vain. But we are governed by fools who hold wildlife in contempt.
Saw a movie last summer where a woman shot poachers. Wounded them so the lion they were hunting got dinner. Too bad that doesn't happen in real life.
Load More Replies...When I look into those eyes I want to cry because they tell it all "Please save us".
I really want my great grandkids to see all of these so no fur coats please
Most of these animals are endangered because of habitat loss, not from hunting for fur.
Load More Replies...Snow Leopard
Snow leopards are not longer “endangered“, btw klassisches into “vulnerable“. A heartfelt Thanks to all the conservationists around the world <3
Unfortunately it's not as good as it sounds. The classifications have changed and therefore the snow leopards have moved into a different group. It is nothing to do with the numbers in the wild.
Load More Replies...Now they've been taken off the "endangered" list they will be in more danger than ever before. Trophy hunters will move in and blast the lot of them. Wish trophy hunters were an endangered species...
These animals are now classified as vulnerable, but we do still need to help them so that they aren't even considered as vulnerable
Vulnerable or endangered - it's semantics. Their numbers are low and they are still being hunted for their skins. These beautiful animals should be nurtured, not hunted and thanks goodness that there are people who are prepared to put effort into protecting them in the wild, where they belong, not threatened.
Cheetah With Cubs
The first time I saw a cheetah was a female with cubs, surrounded by safari vehicles. The thrill was real but it was kinda sad too
Hopefully some of the money goes towards conservation. If so, then yay tourists!
Load More Replies...Leave it to man and the pitiful NEED to be a trophy hunter or hunter period. I am sick to hear "well they'll die anyway". Man has tipped the balance of nature off by all the animals that have gone extinct. Just leave Mother Nature alone she knows what she is doing.
Fastest mammal? Not sure but the splendour is real. There will tragically be only tacky fast fashion mocks of Cheetah prints to come
I have worked in conservation in South Africa with cheetah cubs. They are beautiful but should really have as little contact with humans as possible as they can become imprinted, which is bad for their ultimate survival. They really are incredible and need all the help we can give them. No human needs a cheetah skin coat or rug!! Stop the hunting now.
Ring Tailed Lemur
...and I lost my contacts! Whoa, what a party tonight was! :D
Load More Replies...The one on the left is not a ringtailed lemur. It looks like a... sifaka?
OH now they are just too adorable. God knew what He was doing when he created the earth and all creatures in it. Now man needs to butt out and leave it up to God again.
Poor King Julian. The Black Plague in Madagascar and the transmission mode of digging up dead bodies will ensure those people don’t have the time to care about saving endangered species.
The World Health Organization indicates that the pneumonic plague outbreak is probably coming under control. Yersinia pestis is endemic in Madagascar, and they deal with outbreaks every year. This one was bad, but I don't know how it affected conservation efforts. Do you have some evidence? You are right that it may be that famadihana -- ritually exhuming the dead --facilitated the spread of the disease.
Load More Replies...White Bellied Pangolin
Chinese customs officers recently seized a whole shopping container full of pangolin scales for the black market. As long as Chinese and African people keep living in the dark ages, hunting and eating unclean animals, and paying heed to useless superstitions and old wives tales, like Chinese “medicine”, these poor innocent creatures will be gone soon.
These poor little animals are trucked out of Africa in their thousands for their meat. DISGUSTING.
These creatures are fascinating. Unfortunately, they are regarded as a delicacy too. Why must some cultures eat everything that moves, regardless of its endangered status - I suppose to some people, that makes it all the more delicious!! It's disgusting.
Ploughshare Tortoise
This picture would make a great jigsaw!! Let's hope that most of them survive!!
Just beautiful so much hard work and wonderful results, I am sure that your work will influence more people to care.
Red Panda
I WANNA SLAP THAT POPSICLE OF ADORABLENESS OFF THAT ENDANGERED LIST
It's so nice to see recognition for these animals. The red panda (and capybara) have always been my favourite since I was a kid but no one had ever heard of them. I love it when it shows up in articles and more people can see them! :-)
Load More Replies...I have a red panda stuffed animal!!!! I cuddle with it every night!!! 😙😙😙😙😿
One of the cutest animals in the world. Fortunately they do very well in captivity (in zoos, NOT AS PETS) and seem to be happy in zoos, climbing on and playing with the zoo employees. One zoo in the USA has had over 100 red panda births.
Fireflies
There used to be so many of them when I was a kid. It's been so long since I last saw one :(
You're lucky you ever saw one... I only see those in pictures:(
Load More Replies...People are always surprised insecticides kill insects. ALL insects. Bees. Fireflies. Butterflies. etc
Honey bees are in ok position right now. They are finally started to use some insecticide which isn't being bad for honey bees.
Load More Replies...I remember seeing them in large numbers as a child......but I cant remember the last time I saw them........I miss them.......we need to bring them back.......what is this world coming to that we are loosing fireflies too.
One of the few things I miss from my childhood in Chicago. Glad to see the comments that they still exist in parts of the country.
Fireflies are the best part of a summer night. I wish there were more, like before.
I remember chasing them when I was young. But I haven't seen any in a LONG time.
Man-made pollution has murdered these exquisite insects. Marvellous, aren't we?
Hippopotamus
The common one is "just" vulnerable. The pygmy is endangered.
Load More Replies...The fish on the right of the bottom also wants to be photographed
Is it because that kid wants one for Christmas every year? This is an awesome photo.
Most large land mammals - and some large sea mammals (whales) are being pushed to the bring by - guess who? Yes, greedy careless humans again. We pollute their environment, cause global warming and then wonder why their numbers are down!! Simples!! It's humans - we're the worst guardians of the environment and we wonder why every day species are disappearing off the planet for good. In the meantime, politicians quibble about having another vote on the terms of Brexit. Give me strength!!
Giant Panda
Ok I am going to move to where ever these animals reside and buy a huge piece of land and keep them all safe with me!
But they are still considered VULNERABLE, which means, they aren't in the clear. The article is about animals that MAY become extinct, not ones that WILL (although, without conservation efforts, they most certainly will)
Load More Replies...This is one good thing the Chinese are doing, saving these Panda's the Reserve they have for them is huge and over 400 live there freely
Pandas actually just got off the endangered list. Probably because of all the great work they are doing in China!
Only in China I believe. Start studying your Chinese language and Panda biology! LOL
they have great breeding programs only to rent them out for show so sad
Red Crown Crane
They are so graceful... No wonder there is Japanese folk tale about them who turn to be a lady.
Golden Snub Nosed Monkey
Beautiful, but looks so sad - probably realises what we are capable of doing to his species for this luxuriant fur!!
Pied Tamarin
Sea Angels
I have never seen such animals .. they are amazing. They really look like angels.
Shoebill
yeah, it knows how ridiculous it looks and is displeased.
Load More Replies...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wufAdZoxpcg Closest thing to Velociraptors in our world is a Shoebill Stork..
And angry. I have seen this bird in person and they look so angry all the time. Like gulp!
Northern White Rhinoceros
one male, two females left in the whole wide world.
Load More Replies...All for their horns which is simply cartilage the Chinese think help them have sex. God knows what else they will destroy once these are gone
we are not ment to have healing or anything from an animal, but who will listen, healing comes from plants but oh no we have to kill something just to satisfy idiots
Load More Replies...This tragedy is a total symbol of what arseholes humans are. The people who eat powdered rhino horn may as well eat their own hair and nails - because is what it is made of. Why don't the stinking bastards just buy up supplies of viagra?
Where do people get these stupid ideas about Rhino horns and Pangolin scales??????
As of March 19, 2018 there were only two known rhinos of this subspecies left, both of which are female; barring the existence of unknown or misclassified male northern white rhinos elsewhere in Africa, this makes the subspecies functionally extinct. The two female rhinos belong to the Dvůr Králové Zoo in the Czech Republic but live in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya and are protected round-the-clock by armed guards.
Military Macaw
Such a beautiful creature. They're endangered because of habitat loss and people wanting them as pets. Another beautiful animal dying out because of mankind's greed and stupidity.
European Honey Bee
We better pray these don't go! Food supplies would dwendle & crops fail with no pollination. Got it, Monsanto?
Monsanto has nothing to do with it, frankly. Too much pesticides overall is the problem.
Load More Replies...Ehhh .. I liked the honey bee more when I didn´t know how it looks magnified.
Well, well all know what's happening here - thanks to Monsanto and others and their products containing neonicotinide. In some parts of China, because all the pollinators have virtually been wiped out, pollination is done manually, with feathers!! I truly believe Monsanto et al should be made pay for all the damage their products like Roundup are doing to the environment. And I don't just mean a nominal sum either!! and Roundup, which contains glysophate should have a worldwide ban, now that it's know what glysophates do to the environment.
No bees, no honey. No honey, no herbal tea. No herbal tea, no Anaka.
Well, once the bees have gone, we will have no pollination and we will die off eventually. Oh - I forgot! Trump could probably pollinate everything. He seems to have managed to pollute everything he touches so far, so why not?
Egyptian Vulture
Not pretty, but essential to keeping the diseases spread by carcasses under control. In South Africa people, especially poachers, poison vultures. Thesis led to the spread of disease from rotting carcasses, They have a similar problem in India. They are now striving to protect and treat the vultures in South Africa.
It looks like it got it's beak done. The way women get their nails done. It would be even prettier if it's face was white too.
Scimitar Oryx's
They were extinct in the wild but have been successfully captive bred and reintroduced.
They're so graceful. Let us hope that their re-introducion doesn't lead to them being hunted to near extinction again, and congratulations to the conservationists who achieved this.
I have seen these in - I think it was Colchester Zoo. Sadly now they are back in the wild they will be hunted down again.
Western Lowland Gorillas
He looks cross, and I don't blame him when you consider what we are doing to his environment and species!!
Scallope Hammerhead Aggregation
Nawww, this picture will be around for generations for anyone to see.
Load More Replies...100 Million sharks killed every year for shark fin soup! If the sharks all disappear, man will soon follow. Without sharks, the oceans will become a cesspool of disease!
As the seas become more acidic due to global warming as a result of mans activity, these will disappear, along with reefs and all the creatures that depend on them for shelter and food - thousands in fact. Plastic pollution in the seas is a huge problem, but small when compared with the rise in acidity and the warming, as colder water holds more oxygen, but this is being released at an ever increasing rate as the sea temperatures rise, as is CO2 into the environment. The more CO2 the warmer the environment gets and so it goes on.
Blue Throated Macaw
Blue-throats are on this list: Appendix I: Species endangered and trade is permitted only in exceptional circumstances. "The status of all macaw species in the wild are of concern. Large numbers were exported to the United States and Europe the beginning of the 20th century. The majority of macaws are now endangered in the wild; several are highly or critically endangered, others are threatened with extinction and five or more species are already extinct - mainly due to the rapid rate of deforestation, hunting, and the illegal trapping for the pet trade." My sister-in-law has one.
Load More Replies...Maybe if i hide they won't see me and kidnap me to be a miserable pet forced to sing the star spangled banner
Yep, "fraid so. We are stripping their habitat of vegetation to raise cattle and/or to grow non-natural crops for that part of the world - soya/corn/palm oil, much of which goes to feed our food - cattle!! It's ludicrous - but there's huge amounts of money to be made, so there you have it!!
Proboscis Monkey
That looks like Trump. Nevermind, that's an insult to this Monkey.
you brought a huge smile to a s**t moment thanks xx
Load More Replies...he looks like he's got a funny joke to tell us, but we must save him to hear it!
Kaiser's Newt
Unfortunately, amphibians are rapidly disappearing due to what might be a fungus, which is probably caused by pollution of their environment. We've done it again!! We're supposed to be the most intelligent beings o the planet. REALLY!!!??
Beautiful, some of the spots on its tail look like little hearts. Please stay little one.
Indian Gharial
Oh Grandmother, what large teeth you have!! These non-human animals have been on this planet longer than we have, but unfortunately, we will be the cause of their demise.
Michael Weinberg looks like you Big Mouth and a lot of teeth. The true haters
Yellow-Eyed Tree Frog
Omg this is so weird but I saw that treefrog the you day omg I saw a almost extinct frog
Not very likely unless you live in Costa Rica or Panama. These guys have blue feet too!
Load More Replies...Most frogs have sort of a whimsical, carefree expression in their big eyes. This one just looks sad.
Unfortunately, this little chap, along with many many other species of amphibians, is becoming extinct. The cause isn't known exactly, but it's thought it may be due to a fungus which has thrived in the polluted environment we humans and our so-called civilised activities have caused.
I love frogs. And my Mom is crazy about them. Weird eyes, but it looks like it's always smiling. So adorable. Keep on hopping little one.
Arabian Oryx
The scimitar-horned oryx. They were extinct in the wild but captive breeding programmes have been successful enough to reintroduce them in selected protected locations.
Let's hope that the success of the breeding programme continues as they are so graceful, and that the protection works.
Marine Iguana
Once again, warming sea temperatures and increasing acidity are contributing to the demise of one of the most ancient habitants of the planet, thanks to human activity and so-called civilisation (capitalism)!!
Beluga Sturgeon
Due to our appetite for caviar, pregnant females are killed for their eggs - nothing left to grow up
The fish has to be killed for the eggs? Good thing I do not eat caviar at all ..
Load More Replies...just so the rich can have a snack and show how great they are , so sad
IKR, do they even concern about it? Sigh, just few richies. Look at their croc skin fancy stuff.
Load More Replies...Let's be honest - who really enjoys eating caviar??!! If we eat their eggs - guess what - they can't and don't breed!! Let's not, and give it a chance to attempt to recover its numbers!!
I accidentally ate caviar one time on sushi at a Chinese buffet, nobody told me what it was. I asked right afterward what it was because I didn't like the taste. When I found out I got so upset and pissed off at my Mom because she talked me into trying it and she knew what it was. She's always done that s**t, ever since I was a kid..."Here try this, you'll like it...I'll tell you what it is after you try it, trust me". I never went back there again. And I don't eat anything at a restaurant now without finding out exactly what's in it or on it. When I was a kid she was always doing that, and back then it was 'You WILL eat everything on your plate or do without'. Just a few of the things she made me eat were oxtails, frog legs (she forgot to cut some ligament and they jumped out of the hot pan, my Meme picked them up, rinsed them off, cut the ligament and cooked them), dove, duck, duck eggs, cow liver (tasted like shoe leather), giblet gravy on holidays, etc. Yuck!!
Lemur Leaf Frog
Another amphibian which is probably goes to disappear because of a fungus due to the pollution we have created of its environment. That's civilisation for you!!
Yunan Snub Nosed Monkey
Smooth Fronted Cayman
Yes, on the photo. But I am not sure if I wanted to meet this in the wild, probably not. Especially in the grown up form.
Load More Replies...You can see the effects of pollution in the unnatural mottling of its skin/scales. Environmental pollution - us again!!
Yellow Eyed Tree Frog Eggs
Fantastic picture - not sure they will survive the fungus that appears to be decimating amphibians though. So sad!!
Hooded Vulture
Quite the looker!! Vultures are the absolutely essential "waste disposal" workers of the savannah and elsewhere where there are carcasses. Without them, disease would be rife.
Olm Salamander
Actually, if you give a shot of some vitamin i can’t remember to an axolotl, it will finish its metamorphosis into a salamander :)
Load More Replies...Will possibly succumb as have many species of amphibians to what is thought to be a fungus which is spreading due to pollution of their environment. Such a shame. Odd little thing though!
Siamese Crocodile
I thought crocodile farms in Thailand had bred plenty of these for repopulating the species.
probably breeding them for meat and the skins. Profit, not pity.
Load More Replies...Wild populations have been found and are being expanded with captive bred animals.
Populations have been discovered in the wild and are being added to with captive bred animals.
So did I, but the demand for fashion accessories has probably outstripped the supply!!
Partula Snails
All of these marvelous, beautiful creatures may eventually leave this planet, never to be seen again...sad.
Unfortunately, these are believe to possibly be succumbing to a fungus which has taken hold due to pollution of the environment - again!!
Im gonna name this one larry and this one jerry and this one mary and this one carrie and this one Barry and this one...
Such amazing photos, this is one skilled photographer! And while we are on the subject, consider this carefully: Which is better? Having more money(by not taking care for nature) or having these beautiful creatures roaming in the world in the future? Because, I choose the second option.
I think about this often too. We are horribly wasting the planet resources and our whole economy is based on wasting. Today everything is made so that it does not last long so people would buy new things. Economist are constantly babbling about need for infinite growth and production, but no one cares if this is manageable in the long term. Poor countries are devastating themselves for money .. really sad when I think about how our planet is being destroyed by our greed and expansion.
Load More Replies...Amazing, how all these majestic and beautiful species were here long before us and how little time it took us to change the world to it's worse. Funny how we keep asking about our origins, where we come from, and the purpose of our lives, yet everything is right in front of us, but apparently we are blind on this eye and keep starring into the sky with its stars and search for alien life, yet waste everything so beautiful and unique on this planet, really sad!
It's just so sad to think that one day these creatures could just be gone. And it's the fault of humans. Humans cut down forests and kill for sport and profit. We are the cruelest of Earth's species.
Yes Analyn Lahr, I'm agree with ur point of view, one day evey things would be down, but we should never give pu these creatures of things, hope u don't mind it.
Load More Replies...I think about these wonderful creatures, yes. But I also think about tinier, less showy creatures like insects. And I think about the flora that will vanish with climate change and human mindlessly encroaching upon their habitats. What wildflowers and birds will my grandsons never have a chance to see, even though they once lived on the creek near their house?
one of the saddest things to think my great grandkids will not see a lot of these breaks my heart. so isn't it time this was put to right
We're facing another great extinction like many before it. The good news is that the planet will survive long after we've extinguished ourselves and our animals. It will be reborn and flourish. People keep talking about humans destroying the planet... b******t, the planet is just fine, we're destroying ourselves.
OMGosh these are incredible photos of incredible animals. It is very sad that they may be extinct some day. God made some beautiful creatures and some exceedingly scary creatures! WOW!
Saddened by our blindness to this perfect world that we spend so much energy and effort in destroying....Is this what we call Progress!!
Such amazing photos, this is one skilled photographer! And while we are on the subject, consider this carefully: Which is better? Having more money(by not taking care for nature) or having these beautiful creatures roaming in the world in the future? Because, I choose the second option.
I think about this often too. We are horribly wasting the planet resources and our whole economy is based on wasting. Today everything is made so that it does not last long so people would buy new things. Economist are constantly babbling about need for infinite growth and production, but no one cares if this is manageable in the long term. Poor countries are devastating themselves for money .. really sad when I think about how our planet is being destroyed by our greed and expansion.
Load More Replies...Amazing, how all these majestic and beautiful species were here long before us and how little time it took us to change the world to it's worse. Funny how we keep asking about our origins, where we come from, and the purpose of our lives, yet everything is right in front of us, but apparently we are blind on this eye and keep starring into the sky with its stars and search for alien life, yet waste everything so beautiful and unique on this planet, really sad!
It's just so sad to think that one day these creatures could just be gone. And it's the fault of humans. Humans cut down forests and kill for sport and profit. We are the cruelest of Earth's species.
Yes Analyn Lahr, I'm agree with ur point of view, one day evey things would be down, but we should never give pu these creatures of things, hope u don't mind it.
Load More Replies...I think about these wonderful creatures, yes. But I also think about tinier, less showy creatures like insects. And I think about the flora that will vanish with climate change and human mindlessly encroaching upon their habitats. What wildflowers and birds will my grandsons never have a chance to see, even though they once lived on the creek near their house?
one of the saddest things to think my great grandkids will not see a lot of these breaks my heart. so isn't it time this was put to right
We're facing another great extinction like many before it. The good news is that the planet will survive long after we've extinguished ourselves and our animals. It will be reborn and flourish. People keep talking about humans destroying the planet... b******t, the planet is just fine, we're destroying ourselves.
OMGosh these are incredible photos of incredible animals. It is very sad that they may be extinct some day. God made some beautiful creatures and some exceedingly scary creatures! WOW!
Saddened by our blindness to this perfect world that we spend so much energy and effort in destroying....Is this what we call Progress!!
